A Lovely Time At Farm To Family

The Farm To Family Full Moon Fest near Ginnie Springs outside Gainesville was wonderful over the weekend -- small, heartfelt, stress-free, inexpensive ($20-$35 for the whole weekend), and with folks playing their hearts out on the single stage. The campgrounds were blessed with lovely community bonfires and great music.

Campground Pickin'

It's worth it to plan on making the next one -- June 1-3. It is hot that time of year, but the cold clear waters of Ginnie Springs are right next door, and there's a boat ramp on the Santa Fe River a short drive from the fest site. Also, the organizers have misters and shade cloth to keep you comfortable.

Verlon Thompson and Sue Cunningham delivered a standout performance to a hushed crowd Friday evening just before the blood-red moon rose through the live oak trees.

Here are some of the other players worth a mention:

Brian Smalley and Daisy on the bass

Brian Smalley -- Singer songwriter with poetic lyrics, joie de vivre, and mad guitar skills. Here he is playing the fun song "Tiki Hut Repairman:"




kLoB -- Soulful, high energy blues band out of Jacksonville. Put on a great, emotional, rocking show. Here they are doing "All the Time:"



The Jesse Smith Project -- blues, funk, and jazz band made up of Florida State University music school grads. Here they are doing The Beatles' "Come Together:"

Nook and Cranny

Nook and Cranny Nice newgrass sound out of Gainesville with lovely girl singer Dana Myers. Here they are playing "Summer Skies."



Uproot Hootenanny Fast picking and lots of energy on stage. Here they are playing "That's Why I Drink:"



Morningbell -- Arty, psychedelic progressive rock band out of Gainesville, tinges of the Flaming Lips and Prince. Here they are doing "Sun Come Out:"